Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is home to several amazing interactive attractions, including the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure! This breathtaking boat ride takes you into the heart of the aquarium’s Shark Lagoon, where there are over 8,500 aquatic animals representing more than 75 different species! This is your chance to get up close and personal with a shark, all from the safety of a glass bottom boat! Here are the top 3 things to know about the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:
1. What to Expect
The Glass Bottom Boat Adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a fascinating tour where only three inches of glass separates you from the 12 foot sharks and other creatures that reside in the Shark Lagoon! Keep your eyes open for Sally, the aquarium’s resident green sea turtle, who lives among the thousands of exotic sea creatures! The boat tours are led by friendly guides who will teach you all about the animals within the aquarium and share what it takes to maintain the facility! Since there are only a maximum of 10 guests on each tour, you’ll have plenty of time to interact with the guides and view the sharks! This is a great way for you and your family to learn more about all the fascinating creatures that live inside the aquarium.
2. Dates, Times and Location
The Glass Bottom Boat Adventure launches every 20 minutes from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. daily, but keep in mind that there are no tours available from 11:40 A.M. to Noon on Mondays through Fridays. The aquarium is conveniently located at Traffic Light #5, 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 33738. There are various parking areas nearby in Gatlinburg, as well as a city owned paid parking garage directly behind the aquarium.
3. Ticket Information
Note that the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure is considered an add-on to your aquarium ticket and does not include admission to the aquarium. Due to the popularity of this activity and the limited capacity on each boat tour, we recommend purchasing your tickets online where you can select a specific date and arrival time. There are various ticket options for Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, including combo passes that add admission to some of the other Ripley’s attractions throughout Gatlinburg. These combo passes are one of the best way’s to save money on your Smoky Mountain vacation!
Where to Stay
Stay just minutes away from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies with a vacation at our Gatlinburg cabin rentals! Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your sweetheart or a family vacation, we have just the right cabin for you! Our affordable rentals are located among the beauty of the mountains, but are still only a short drive to all of the popular attractions throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! While staying with us, enjoy fully equipped kitchens, private decks with scenic views, soothing hot tubs, game rooms, home theater rooms and much more!
Check out all of our cabins in Gatlinburg TN today to stay close to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smoky Mountains!
